Cicero's use of the word "respectable" (honestus) instead of "noble" (nobilis) to describe his family background suggests that he was not descended from the consular Laelii.
As tribune in 54 BC, Laelius gave support to Aulus Gabinius, another Pompeian associate, when he was prosecuted and convicted by Memmius.
Decimus Laelius Balbus, son of Decimus and grandson of Decimus, was a Roman politician during the reign of the Roman Emperor Augustus.
The younger Laelius was apparently born around 188 BC, after his father had become consul but had failed to win command of the campaign against Antiochus III the Great of Syria which would have made him a rich man.